Great Regulars: Some seem unable to realise that the laureateship

is not primarily an opportunity for personal advancement. Arguably, it's the reverse. I suspect that the laureate is much more like a sacrifice: a sort of Fisher King sent out to secure the health of poetry as a whole, often at real cost to his own work.

from Fiona Sampson: The Guardian: The next poet laureate has a hard act to follow

~~~~~~~~~~~